Laticort, ointment 0.1% 15 g

Laticort is a synthetic nonhalogenated GCS for external use. It has a rapid anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, antipruritic and anti-allergic effect. Due to local vasoconstrictor action it reduces exudative reactions.

The use of the drug Laticort in the recommended doses does not cause suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
After application of Laticort, the active substance accumulates in the epidermis, mainly in the granular layer.

Metabolism
Hydrocortisone butyrate absorbed through the skin is metabolized to hydrocortisone and other metabolites directly in the epidermis and subsequently, in the liver.

Elimation
Metabolites and a small portion of unchanged hydrocortisone butyrate are excreted by the kidneys and in the bile.

Indications

Uninfected, locally GCS-sensitive skin conditions with excessive keratinization:

Insect bites.

Active ingredient

How to take, the dosage

It is used externally.

In adults a small amount of Laticort is applied to the affected skin 1-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-3 weeks. The dose of the drug used for a week should not exceed 30-60 g. To improve penetration, the drug shall be applied by massaging movements. In cases of resistant course of diseases, for example, in localization of dense psoriatic plaques on elbows, knees, the drug should be applied under occlusive dressings.

In children, Laticort is used from 6 months of age.

In children, suppression of adrenal cortical function may develop more rapidly. In addition, a decrease in growth hormone excretion may be observed. When using the drug for a long time, body weight, growth, and plasma cortisol levels should be monitored. In control studies in children who received 30-60 g of Laticort® ointment weekly no adrenal dysfunction was found.

When using Laticort on the face or under occlusive dressings (diapers, nappies) a high degree of absorption is possible, so a minimum dose of the drug is recommended. Treatment should be carried out for a short time and under the supervision of a doctor.

Interaction

There are no data on drug interactions of Laticort® with other drugs.

Special Instructions

Contact of Laticort® in the eyes should be avoided.

In case of secondary bacterial or fungal infection, an external antibacterial or antifungal agent should be prescribed.

Particular caution should be exercised when using the drug on the face due to possible side effects (telangiectasia, atrophy, perioral dermatitis).

If after 7 days of use there is no improvement or worsening of the condition, or if symptoms return within a few days after discontinuation, discontinue the drug and consult a physician.
Although use of the drug in high doses over an extended period of time, especially with occlusive dressings, may increase plasma cortisol levels, this is never accompanied by a decrease in pituitary-adrenal reactivity, and withdrawal of the drug leads to rapid normalization of cortisol production.

With caution, use the drug in cases of pre-existing skin atrophic conditions, especially in older people.
The risk of side effects with Laticort® is lower than with halogenated GCS.

Laticort® ointment is recommended for subacute inflammatory conditions and lichenification.

Impact on driving and operating machinery

The use of the drug does not limit the patient’s psychophysical ability, ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery in motion.

Contraindications

With caution, the drug should be prescribed in diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis (systemic lesion).

Side effects

Side effects are rare and reversible.

Local reactions: Rarely, skin irritation.

In prolonged use and/or application of Laticort on large surfaces, when using occlusive dressings, acne-like changes, hypopigmentation, sweating, folliculitis, stretch marks, skin atrophy, hypertrichosis and secondary skin infections may occur in rare cases.

In rare cases, allergic contact dermatitis may develop.

Overdose

There are no data on overdose of Laticort®. Symptoms of hypercorticism may occur if the drug is used in high doses for a long time.

Treatment: symptomatic therapy with gradual withdrawal of the drug.

Pregnancy use

The use of Laticort® in pregnant women is allowed in cases where, in the opinion of the treating physician, the potential benefit to the pregnant woman overweighs the possible risk to the fetus.

In these cases, the use should be of short duration and limited to small areas of skin. Use in the first trimester of pregnancy is not recommended.

During breastfeeding, use briefly on a small area of skin and do not use on the skin of the mammary gland.

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